The partnership seeks to share experiences and best practices between U.S. and Russian municipalities and utilities focused on installing and implementing energy efficient, 21st grid infrastructure. An exchange of this nature has already occurred between utilities and regulators in Texas and federal and utility officials in Kaluga, Russia, and recently a memorandum of understanding was signed in San Diego and Belgorod, Russia.

image via Zine Press

USAID’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia Jonathan Hale called the partnership, in a statement, “a win-win effort for the U.S., Russia, and the global environment and climate.” He also noted that, in addition to helping both countries make better use of existing energy resources, this partnership will help participating regions bring more renewable energy onto the grid.

USAID and USDOE will be working to further business and commercial ties established via the Texas-Kaluga partnership over the coming year. A business roundtable is planned for the Fall in Russia is in the works, as well as a joint study on regulatory issues and barriers in smart grid deployment.

Susan DeFreitas has covered all manner of green technology for EarthTechling since 2009. She is a graduate of Prescott College for the Liberal Arts and the Environment, and has a background in marketing green businesses. Her work on green living has been featured in Yes! Magazine, the Utne Reader and Natural Home.